New Delhi: India-Canada relations appear to be entering a new phase of engagement, with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney saying that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Canada in December as the two countries work toward concluding a major trade agreement.
Speaking on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Carney said India-Canada trade negotiations were making “good progress” and described the bilateral relationship as important across trade, economic, security and people-to-people ties. He also said he was looking forward to hosting Modi in Canada.
Trade Deal at the Centre of the New Engagement
The proposed visit comes as New Delhi and Ottawa accelerate negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
India and Canada have agreed to fast-track the negotiations, with the fifth round of talks scheduled to begin on October 5. India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said the fourth round of discussions with Canadian International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu had been productive and that both sides were working to speed up the process.
Canada’s trade minister has also expressed optimism that negotiations could be completed by the end of 2026. Key areas under discussion include energy, critical minerals and investment.
From Diplomatic Strain to Renewed Engagement
The renewed economic engagement follows several years of diplomatic tensions between India and Canada.
Relations deteriorated significantly during the previous Canadian government after allegations concerning the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. India rejected the allegations and the dispute contributed to a major downturn in bilateral ties.
The relationship has since seen renewed diplomatic engagement. In June 2026, Modi and Carney met on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France and welcomed what both governments described as positive momentum in bilateral relations.
India and Canada have also resumed high-level institutional discussions covering areas including energy, critical minerals, science and technology, education, security, defence, migration and consular matters.
Energy and Critical Minerals Could Drive Cooperation
Trade is not the only area where the two countries see opportunities for greater cooperation.
Canada is seeking stronger partnerships with Indian companies in its LNG sector, while the two sides are also exploring cooperation in nuclear energy. Canadian officials have highlighted the potential for Indian investment in Canada’s critical-mineral projects, an area that has gained importance as countries seek more resilient supply chains.
The two governments have also discussed commercial arrangements involving LNG, LPG and metallurgical coal, according to their June leaders’ meeting.
Security Cooperation Also Expanding
The renewed relationship extends beyond commerce.
During their June meeting, Modi and Carney agreed to begin negotiations on a General Security of Information Agreement (GSOIA) aimed at deepening defence and security cooperation. The two governments have also increased institutional exchanges between their defence establishments.
Officials have continued discussions on migration, consular issues, education and people-to-people ties, reflecting a broader effort to rebuild regular government-to-government engagement.
What the December Visit Could Mean
If the December visit takes place as indicated by Carney, it could provide an opportunity for the two governments to advance several areas of their renewed partnership, particularly the trade negotiations.
Both sides have publicly set an objective of completing the CEPA negotiations in 2026. India and Canada have also established a longer-term goal of more than doubling bilateral trade to CAD 70 billion by 2030.
However, the trade agreement has not yet been concluded, and negotiations are continuing. The December visit should therefore be viewed as part of an ongoing diplomatic and economic process rather than as confirmation that a final agreement has already been reached.
With negotiations accelerating and cooperation expanding across trade, energy, critical minerals, technology and security, the proposed Modi-Carney meeting could become an important milestone in the ongoing reset of India-Canada relations.
